Islamic Ruling on the Trade of Obscene Magazines

Author: Dr. Muhammad Zia-ur-Rahman Azmi (رحمہ اللہ)

Prohibition of Selling Obscene Magazines​

The trade of obscene magazines containing unveiled pictures of women or content promoting immorality is strictly prohibited in Islamic law. These materials serve as a means of spreading corruption and evil, and the ruling on a means is the same as the ruling on its intended purpose.

Key Points on Prohibition​

1. Facilitating Sin and Corruption:
   Those involved in the production, sale, or distribution of such materials are directly aiding their owners in spreading immorality. This is considered a major sin and a grave offense.
2. Prohibition of Assisting in Sin:
   Allah Almighty explicitly forbids aiding others in sin and transgression:
   
   "Do not cooperate in sin and aggression."
   [Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:2)]
3. Means to Evil Share the Same Ruling:
   Anything that serves as a means to promote immorality, whether through selling, distributing, or advertising, inherits the same prohibition as the sin itself.

Consequences of Supporting Immorality​

Engaging in such activities not only brings divine displeasure but also contributes to the moral decay of society. Islam emphasizes the responsibility of individuals and institutions to protect and uphold ethical standards, refraining from actions that undermine them.

Fatwa Reference​

This ruling is supported by the Permanent Committee for Islamic Research and Ifta, Fatwa No. 14816, which reiterates the impermissibility of trading in materials that propagate immorality.